Compression controls the dynamic range of audio—the difference between the loudest and quietest parts. It makes quiet parts louder and loud parts quieter, resulting in a more consistent, polished sound.
Why Use Compression?
- Even out dynamics — Make performances more consistent
- Add punch — Make drums hit harder
- Glue sounds together — Make multiple tracks feel cohesive
- Increase perceived loudness — Without actually raising the peak level
- Shape transients — Control the attack of drums and instruments
Compression Parameters
Threshold
The level at which compression begins:
- Audio below the threshold passes through unchanged
- Audio above the threshold gets compressed
- Lower threshold = more compression
Ratio
How much compression is applied:
- 2:1 — Gentle, natural compression
- 4:1 — Moderate, noticeable compression
- 8:1 — Heavy compression
- 10:1+ — Limiting (almost no signal above threshold)
Attack
How quickly compression kicks in after signal exceeds threshold:
- Fast attack — Catches transients, can soften punch
- Slow attack — Lets transients through, adds punch
Release
How quickly compression stops after signal falls below threshold:
- Fast release — Compression recovers quickly, more "pumping"
- Slow release — Smoother, more natural sound
Makeup Gain
Boosts the output to compensate for volume reduction from compression.
Using Compression in FlowState
-
Open the Mixer
Press 2 or click "Mixer" in the bottom panel. -
Click a track's effect slot
Each channel has effect slots. Click to add or edit effects. -
Select Compressor
Choose compressor from the effect menu. -
Adjust parameters
Start with a preset, then tweak to taste.
Compression by Instrument
Kick Drum
- Ratio: 4:1 to 6:1
- Attack: Medium-slow (10-30ms) to preserve punch
- Release: Fast (50-100ms)
- Goal: Consistent level with punchy attack
Snare
- Ratio: 4:1 to 8:1
- Attack: Medium (5-15ms)
- Release: Medium (100-200ms)
- Goal: Snap and crack with body
Bass
- Ratio: 4:1 to 6:1
- Attack: Medium (10-30ms)
- Release: Medium-slow (100-300ms)
- Goal: Even, consistent low end
Vocals
- Ratio: 3:1 to 6:1
- Attack: Medium (5-15ms)
- Release: Medium (100-200ms)
- Goal: Consistent level that sits in the mix
Tip: When in doubt, use gentle compression (2:1 or 3:1) with 3-6 dB of gain reduction. Heavy compression is for specific effects, not everyday mixing.
Gain Reduction Meter
Watch the gain reduction meter while compressing:
- 1-3 dB — Gentle, transparent compression
- 3-6 dB — Noticeable compression, good for most uses
- 6-10 dB — Heavy compression, for effect
- 10+ dB — Very aggressive, changes the character
Common Compression Mistakes
- Too much compression — Squashes dynamics, sounds lifeless
- Too fast attack on drums — Kills the punch and snap
- Not adjusting makeup gain — Compressed signal sounds quieter
- Compressing everything — Not every track needs compression
Sidechain Compression
Sidechain compression ducks one sound when another plays:
- Classic use: Bass ducks when kick hits
- Creates that "pumping" effect in EDM
- Helps kick punch through the mix
Parallel Compression
Blend compressed and uncompressed signals:
- Compress a copy of the track heavily
- Blend it with the original
- Gets the benefits of compression while keeping dynamics
Using Voice Commands
Add compression to the vocals
Make the kick punchier
The bass is too dynamic
Compress the drums more
Quick Settings Reference
| Gentle/Transparent | 2:1, slow attack, slow release |
| Punchy drums | 4:1, slow attack, fast release |
| Smooth vocals | 3:1, medium attack, medium release |
| Consistent bass | 4:1, medium attack, medium release |
| Heavy limiting | 10:1+, fast attack, fast release |